Powerful coastal storms, heavy rain, lightning strikes, and strong winds can easily cause electrical problems for homeowners in Newport News, VA. Even a brief lightning strike or sudden power fluctuation can damage expensive electronics, disrupt appliances, and create hidden electrical hazards inside your home.
Taking proactive steps before storm season arrives, therefore, is critical. This can help homeowners reduce the risk of expensive repairs, electrical hazards, and damage to valuable electronics and appliances.
Here’s what every homeowner should know about protecting their electrical system before the next major storm moves into the Newport News area.
How Storms Can Damage Your Home’s Electrical System
Storms place significant stress on residential electrical systems, especially in coastal regions where intense weather can arrive quickly and unexpectedly. Some of the top hazards to your home’s electrical infrastructure during a storm are:
- Power Surges: A lightning strike near utility lines or transformers can send excess voltage through your home’s wiring in seconds. These surges can damage televisions, computers, kitchen appliances, HVAC systems, gaming systems, and smart home technology.
- Heavy Rain and Flooding: Water exposure can damage outlets, wiring, breaker panels, and electrical connections. Homes with outdoor electrical equipment or low-lying electrical components may be especially vulnerable during severe weather.
- Strong Winds: Heavy winds can also lead to problems when trees or debris damage power lines connected to the home.
Storm-related electrical damage isn’t always immediately visible, either. Sometimes homeowners don’t realize there’s an issue until outlets stop working, breakers trip repeatedly, or lights begin flickering days after the storm has passed. That’s why prevention and professional inspections are so important.
The Importance of Whole-Home Surge Protection
Many homeowners use power strips to protect electronics, but plug-in surge protectors only provide limited defense. A whole-home surge protection system offers much broader protection by stopping dangerous voltage spikes before they travel through your home’s electrical wiring.
Whole-home surge protectors are installed directly at the electrical panel and help shield major appliances and devices throughout the house. This includes refrigerators, HVAC systems, washers and dryers, computers, televisions, and other expensive equipment.
Without surge protection, a severe storm could damage thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics in moments. In coastal areas like Newport News, where thunderstorms and tropical systems are common, surge protection is one of the smartest investments homeowners can make for electrical safety.
How Backup Generators Can Protect Your Home During Outages
Power outages are one of the most frustrating and disruptive parts of severe weather. Depending on the storm, outages can last for hours or even days. During that time, homeowners may lose refrigeration, lighting, heating or cooling, internet access, medical equipment operation, and security systems.
Backup generators provide a reliable source of electricity when utility power goes down. For many homeowners, they can make a huge difference in comfort, safety, and convenience during a storm.
Professional installation is important because generators must be connected safely and correctly to avoid electrical hazards. Improper generator use can create serious risks, including carbon monoxide exposure or dangerous back-feeding into utility lines.
MorLite Electric helps homeowners install dedicated generator outlets so that their backup power source can safely get them through storms.
Outdoor Electrical Safety Before & After a Storm
Before a storm arrives, homeowners should inspect outdoor areas for potential electrical hazards. Look for damaged extension cords, loose wiring, exposed outlets, or deteriorating electrical fixtures. Outdoor outlets should have weatherproof covers to protect against rain and moisture.
It’s also important to secure outdoor electrical equipment whenever possible. Patio lighting, extension cords, and decorative electrical items should be unplugged and stored safely before heavy storms arrive.
After the storm passes, homeowners should use caution around any electrical equipment exposed to water or storm damage. Never touch standing water near electrical devices or power lines. If you notice sparks, burning smells, buzzing sounds, or damaged electrical panels, contact a licensed electrician immediately.
Other important electrical safety tips during and after a storm include:
- Staying away from downed power lines
- Avoiding using electrical devices in flooded areas
- Never attempting DIY electrical repairs after storm damage
- Checking outdoor HVAC systems for visible damage
- Inspecting exterior outlets and lighting carefully
Scheduling a professional inspection after a major storm can help identify issues before they become dangerous.
What to Do if You Suspect Storm-Related Electrical Damage
After a severe storm, homeowners should pay close attention to signs of electrical trouble inside the home. Even minor symptoms can indicate hidden damage that requires professional attention.
Some warning signs include:
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Frequently tripped breakers
- Burning odors near outlets or panels
- Buzzing sounds from switches or outlets
- Dead outlets or appliances
- Warm or discolored electrical components
If you notice any of these issues, avoid using the affected outlets or electrical systems and turn off the power at the main breaker until an electrician can inspect them. Continuing to use damaged wiring or overloaded circuits can increase the risk of electrical fires or shock hazards.
Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm Arrives
Do you want to better protect your home and electrical system before the next major storm hits Newport News, VA? MorLite Electric offers professional surge protection installation, generator solutions, and electrical inspections and upgrades for local homeowners. Reach out today to start strengthening your home’s electrical safety and reliability.
